The character 联系 is formed by combining two separate characters, each contributing to the overall meaning. The left part, 联, originally depicted an ear connected by a thread, symbolizing a physical link or connection. The right part, 系, represents a hand tying knots on a silk thread, emphasizing the act of binding or attaching. Together, they create a composite idea where 联 provides the core concept of "connection" and 系 reinforces it with the notion of "tying or relating", resulting in a unified visual and conceptual meaning of "to connect" or "to be in contact".